Header$type=social_icons

Archive Pages Design$type=blogging

Germany 2-0 Nigeria: Dream Team Fail To Reach Gold Medal Finals

Nigeria's Dream Team failed in their bid to qualify for the finals of the men’s football ev...

Nigeria's Dream Team failed in their bid to qualify for the finals of the men’s football event
of the Rio Olympics as they lost 2-0 to Germany

A first half strike from Lukas Klostermann and a late
addition from Petersen was all the Germans needed to set up a final clash
against hosts, Brazil who demolished Honduras in the other semi final contest.

The Germans dictated the pace of the game right from the
blast of the whistle and expolited the Nigeria defence at regular intervals.

It was not surprising when they took the lead after nine
minutes through big defender Klostermann, who steered home a low cross from the
right.

However, Nigeria were gifted a big chance by the German
goalkeeper to equalize three minutes later when his poor clearance fell to
Sadiq Umar inside the box, but he the Roma younsgter fluffed the chance.

In the second half, Germany started on the front foot with
Gnabry continuing on with his positive form from the first half. He had a shot
on goal saved by Nigeria goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel in the 58th minute. Daniel
did well to get low and parry the effort out for a corner kick to prevent his
side from going two goals down.

In the end, Germany did enough to frustrate Nigeria,
preventing the African side from having any clear-cut goalscoring
opportunities.

Substitute Nils Petersen then made sure of Germany’s spot in
Saturday’s final when he latched onto a low cross from forward Davie Selke in
the 89th minute.

While Germany are guaranteed their best-ever finish at the
Men’s Olympic Football Tournament, Nigeria will look to add to their history of
medals at the tournament when they go for bronze against Honduras in Belo
Horizonte on Saturday.